The Glory of the Cross - Part 2 (Gal. 6:11-18)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES   Paul's obsession with the cross was strange for two reasons. First, he refused to live for any of the things that people normally live for. He did not boast about his popularity, intellect, influence, appearance, income, or performance. Nor did he boast about his circumcision. Second, what Paul was willing to boast about was even stranger: the cross of Christ. Christians are used to thinking about the cross as something noble, or even beautiful, but to ancient people it was the ultimate humiliation. The Romans considered the cross degrading, disgusting, detestable, and disgraceful. Boasting in the cross means more than just believing that Jesus died for your sins; it also means living a crucified life. In verse 17 Paul writes, From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. This statement was partly a warning to the Judaizers. They had followed him to interfere with his gospel of justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Paul had finally had enough, therefore he warned his opponents not to cause him any more trouble. This statement is also a warning to every Christian, however, for it shows what kind of treatment we can expect for boasting in the cross. Sooner or later, every Christian who glories in the cross will face opposition.   ______________________________________________________________   Today’s podcast is brought to you by Time in the Word. As God ministers to you through this series of studies and as you experience God’s love and grace in your own life, share these podcasts with others, so that they too may be blessed by God’s Word and His amazing grace. Time in the Word with Bible teacher Dr. Miguel Gonzalez is a ministry of Reasons for Faith International Ministries, a ministry committed to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the clear exposition of God’s Word. For additional resources, or if you have enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting www.rffiministries.org.